African Trauma and Mental Health (Psychology) | 20 April 2010
Impact Evaluation of School-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions on Adolescent Girls in Ghanaian Urban Slums: A Meta-Analysis
N, t, o, k, o, z, e, l, a, K, h, u, m, a, l, o, ,, S, i, b, u, s, i, s, o, M, a, b, h, a, l, i
Abstract
Adolescent girls in Ghanaian urban slums face significant nutritional and physical activity challenges that can impact their health and development. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. Studies meeting inclusion criteria (randomised controlled trials) were selected and analysed using fixed-effects models with robust standard errors for meta-analytic synthesis. The analysis revealed a moderate improvement in dietary diversity among adolescent girls who participated in the interventions, with an estimated effect size of \(d = 0\).45 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.61). School-based nutrition and physical activity programmes showed promise in enhancing adolescent girls' nutritional status and health outcomes. Further research should explore long-term impacts and cost-effectiveness of these interventions, while implementing strategies to ensure sustainability and scalability.